How to (safely) use a multimeter?

[kevinlms]

14 hours ago, Nearholmer said:

If you are a beginner in the hobby, and build your tool kit in order of necessity, or frequency of use, you can happily put the multimeter a very long way down the list, is what I’m saying.
 

 

Until you get the first problem in attempting to find out why your trains aren't running properly, or at all.

 

There  are many requests for help to do exactly that on RMweb.

 

Funny how much money people spend getting started in the hobby, but baulk at buying cheap, but essential tools. A cheap multimeter will more than adequately meet demands. Of course there are also ridiculous threads, like the one on 'accurately' measuring DCC voltages, which do a total disservice to the hobby, by making it sound much harder than it really is.

[BR60103]

I probaby use my meter more for checking batteries than anything else.

 

[Sir TophamHatt]

Well, just to prove I didn't electrocute myself!

 

 

May seem like a simple / easy /not scary task for some but for me, it's a fairly large step.

[BR60103]

I still have not used mine for checking mains voltage.